LucieLink – News and Communications for St. Lucie Public Schools
West Gate K-8’s Literacy team partnered with PBIS to purchase a book vending machine for our Mustangs! Students will exchange PBIS bucks for a literacy coin to purchase a book! Literacy is love. “There is no substitute for books in the life of a child” – Mary Ellen Chase. #literacy#loveliteracy#literacymatters#puttingbooksinkidshands
On Friday, March 1st, West Gate K-8 welcomed Ms. Alicia Kohanski as guest reader for our annual celebration of Read Across America. Ms. Kohanski is a Children’s Program Specialist with the St. Lucie County Library System. Her programs are literacy based and include the use of books, stories, music, flannel boards, puppets and props. During two exciting 45 minute performances, Ms. Kohanski thoroughly engaged students in all of West Gate’s first grade classes. West Gate would like to thank Ms. Kohanski and the St. Lucie County Library system for sharing our love of reading.
Once again this year, WestGate K8 School celebrated Read Across America by inviting some very special readers. Some of the special guests visiting West Gate included Sheriff Ken Mascara, Joe Smith, the Clerk of County Courts, School Board members Troy Ingersoll and Dr. Donna Mills. Pictured is CTA/CU president Vanessa Tillman who entertained Angela Fish’s fourth grade class with her amazing story-telling.
The West Gate K8 annual distinguished award winners were announced, as voted on by their colleagues. Please congratulate the following amazing educators: Diana Steiner – School Related Employee of the Year, Monique Rivas – Distinguished Minority Educator of the Year, Todd Millett – Outstanding First Year Teacher of the Year, and Victoria Randolph – Teacher of the Year.
Middle schoolers celebrated Principal and A/B honor roll with a picnic in the park and a visit to the snack shack. West Gate listened to the Mustangs regarding finding different ways to celebrate academics aside from traditional ceremonies.
St. Lucie County Schools celebrated ten years of growth, progress and acceptance with Autism Speaks on Monday afternoon when over 50 students with autism were treated to a fun filled day watching the New York Mets face the Miami Marlins. West Gate K8’s and Northport K8’s Autism Spectrum Disorder units traveled to Tradition Field in Port St. Lucie for lunch and an afternoon game with a major league team. “Despite the crowds and noise all the students had a wonderful time,” said Robert Cranmer, Principal of West Gate K8. “One student even caught a ball!” Mr. Cranmer’s staff at West … Read More
West Gate K-8 faculty and staff are partnering with UF IFAS Family Nutrition Program, PTO, SLPS Child Nutrition Services, and the Department of Health to RE-vitalize the campus garden. Our goal is to provide farm-to-table experiences for all of our students with an emphasis on healthy living. We received our first donations and are on our way to a beautiful educational space on our campus. We kick off the project on Saturday, April 22nd, Earth Day. Pictured are Michelle Estrella (ELA teacher), Victoria Randolph (Interventionist), Lucille Nembhard (Para), Kim Moore, and Jennie Buntin (UF). Absent are Evan Jones (OT), Jason … Read More
This semester, our third-grade teachers, students, and their families embarked on an exciting literacy journey with a grade-level book study of The Wild Robot. Families read the book together at home, while teachers guided weekly discussions in class about themes, characters, plot twists, and predictions. The experience brought everyone closer—connecting classrooms and homes through the joy of reading. To celebrate, we hosted a Family Movie Night, where students and parents enjoyed watching the film adaptation together. This collaborative effort not only sparked enthusiasm for reading but also strengthened the bond between teachers and families, creating a shared commitment to literacy … Read More
In true “Flat Stanley” style, several kindergarten and first grade teachers sent their students ‘Flat Teachers’. This creative gesture was an effort to reach their kids and not only remind them they are thinking of them daily, but also to inspire their students to share their quarantined adventures with their ‘flat teacher’. Students can share their adventures through Canvas, Remind, FlipGrid, and Teams. Mrs. Buehrig, Mrs. Downing, Mrs. Godoy, Mrs. Smith, Ms. Miller, Ms. Harris, and Ms. Jines are all looking forward to the many adventures and stories to come.
PORT ST. LUCIE, FL – Seventh graders in Mrs. Lauren Kappler’s West Gate K-8 Civics class won first place accolades in the St. Lucie Public Schools Project Citizen Showcase. Their project entitled Don’t Panic will compete at the State level and is currently on display at the Capital where legislators will serve on judging panels for a final evaluation of all projects by late May. We the People: Project Citizen is organized by Florida Law Related Education, Inc. which explains the annual project as “a curricular program for upper elementary and secondary students designed and published by the Center for … Read More
Second grade teacher, Ms. Faniel, coordinated a class parade so she could have a brief face-to-face interaction with her students. Parents of her class lined up at the school and were escorted by PSLPD for a quick drive-through parade by Ms. Faniel’s home. Students and parents remained in their cars to maintain a safe distance while still getting to see their teacher! Of course, Ms. Faniel made sure to make their drive worth it as she decorated her yard with a large sign and handed out gifts for each of her students. Ms. Faniel wishes all her students a “Frogtastic” … Read More
On May 27, 2014 at the School Board Meeting, West Gate K-8 was presented a Bronze Award for the 2012-2013 Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Model School. A PBIS Model School is one that has met specific criteria and has reported innovative, creative and functional ways of supporting PBIS in their school. Pictured are, School Board Chairman Debbie Hawley, Christopher Edgecombe, Andrea Malin, Assistant Principal Esther Muniz-Guzman, and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell.
Our recent Chapters of Tomorrow Literacy Fall Festival was a wonderful celebration of reading and career exploration! Each grade level hosted creative activities that connected literacy to future opportunities, including writing “Future Me” stories, dressing up for a photo booth, hunting for sentence strips in a haystack to build stories, and enjoying interactive reading stations. Students also had the chance to meet and interview community partners about their careers, making real-world connections to what they learn in the classroom. We are grateful to our amazing partners for joining us: SLC Fire Department (House 14), Ghostbusters, Blue Cross Blue Shield, SLPS … Read More
Third grade students proudly display their painted birdhouses which were made during their unit on Songbirds in Mrs. Palmer’s West Gate K-8 Elementary Art classroom. Students not only made birdhouses from recycled tissue boxes and Popsicle sticks, but also learn about a particular songbird by doing research for a display poster to accompany their bird house. Students will then give the new house to the birds in their back yards. L to R back row: Aden Kneidel, Christine Cledanor, Isaiah Brangan, Noelle Prinz L to R front row: Shane Blank , Joshua Elwood, Sydney Yahn, Kyle Scerbo, Giana Paula.
Halloween at West Gate K-8 turned into a literary celebration for Book Character Day! Our fabulous first grade teachers took flight as “UFLies”, proudly sporting their UFLI foundations books and bringing letters to life with flair and imagination. This team of talented educators never ceases to amaze with creativity, commitment, and a whole lot of character! Their costumes sparked joy and curiosity, reminding students that every book holds the power to inspire. From wings to wisdom, these educators truly soared into the spirit of learning and fun! Pictured from left to right: Dawn Artiles, Melissa Lushbaugh, Jessica Siev, Ana Maria … Read More
West Gate K-8 teachers organized and distributed student items left at school before the closing. Following CDC and district guidelines, teachers practiced social distancing, wore protective masks, and shared some emotional good-byes as parents and students gathered their belongings.
West Gate K8 had a blast seeing so many of their teachers and staff! Administration and PTO joined forces to treat their families with ? pizza kits for dinner and a special mask handmade by PTO President Niki Patterson. West Gate appreciates all teachers and staff for all you do each and every day! #BigApplePizza #PizzaKitsAndMasks #HappyTeacherAppreciation #ThankYou
Congratulations to our 8th grade students transitioning to high school! West Gate celebrated this occasion with a drive-thru ceremony.
Amanda MacKenzie’s 5th and 7th grade art students completed a “Laundry Art” activity. The students were asked to use articles of clothing to create images.
Second grade teachers Sabrina Faniel from West Gate and Sharline William from Savanna Ridge, collaborated on a multi-month project where their students wrote to one another during literacy centers. Students were paired with a pen pal with whom they would exchange letters. They learned to make new friends while improving their writing skills along the way. They were able to finally meet their pen pals just before spring break. The two classes took a field trip to a local park where they met, exchanged additional letters in person, and played together. The pen pal writing project will continue to grow, … Read More
